MIDO Baroncelli III Rose Gold 18K Chronometer

The new MIDO Baroncelli III Rose Gold 18K chronometer (ref. M901.408.76.033.20) watch, which is set to be revealed at Baselworld 2011 show, combines a chronometer-grade Swiss made movement with an elegant, classic shape of the case.

Although MIDO is not especially good when it comes to modern-styled watches, their classic timepieces are extremely attractive.

Maybe that’s because the recipe for a successful classic timekeeper is known for ages: take a round case, add standard Roman or Breguet-style Arabic numerals, mix it with engine-turned dial and serve it on a leather strap. Here we go: another classic watch that will sell like hot pancakes.

This new MIDO Baroncelli III Rose Gold 18K model, for example, sports a tried and true combination of 18-carat rose gold case and hands and a silver-toned dial, which is adorned with finely executed guilloche pattern.

Being only 39 millimeters in diameter, the case looks absolutely classic (or even vintage) so the watch may be worn with any type of formal attire without raising eyebrows or turning heads, like it sometimes happens when you wear a dressy sports watch.

Although the Barocelli III Rose Gold 18K is powered with a mass produced ETA 2836-2 automatic movement, it is still a high-grade job, officially certified by COSC as a chronometer. Featuring almost unrivaled combination of reliability, accuracy, and relatively low maintenance costs, the movement is quite popular among Swiss watchmakers: both independents and those owned by the Swatch Group alike.

For example, the revered TAG Heuer used the standard grade 2836-2 as a base for their Caliber 5 automatic movement that, among others, powers their gorgeous Aquaracer 500M Calibre 5 Diver. Still, the “chronometer” versions of the calibers are rare: getting a certificate makes the relatively affordable caliber a lot more expensive and there are not so many customers that are actually interested in getting a COSC-certified watch.

Besides featuring parts that are making to higher standard compared to base version of the mechanism, this ETA 2836-2 looks a great deal better with its Cotes de Geneve stripes (vertical on the oscillating weight and circular on the bridges,) and blued and polished screw heads. I doubt that ETA -or whatever third-party specialist that did customization job on this caliber- used heat-bluing process to decorate the screws, but they still look great. Its oscillating weight is adorned with the corporate logo and all the usual inscriptions, and is perfectly visible through a transparent case back (as far as I understand, MIDO uses sapphire crystals both front and back, which is, too, standard in this price niche.)